The Customs Department has detained 3,500 footballs sent by the Norwegian NGO "Right of Play", to its Sri Lankan arm, since it had failed to pay the required duties on the consignment, which the authorities have categorised as commercial items, but the recipient says is for distribution among sports clubs.

Informed sources told ‘The Island’ that the footballs, labeled as "Non Commercial", arrived at the Colombo Harbour in January this year.

"Customs officials had subsequently opened the package and categorised it as "Commercial",due to the large numbers involved."

Demurrage, for failing to clear the consignment on time, has now exceeded one million rupees but "Right of Play" Sri Lankan branch, headed by two prominent sports personalities, are yet to pay up, the sources added.